Question

Human decision-making relies on cognitive shortcuts known as heuristics. While these shortcuts allow rapid decisions in uncertain situations, they also cause predictable errors. Understanding how heuristics shape judgment can help in designing better decision-making environments. 

What is the main idea? 

1. Heuristics should be eliminated from human thinking.
2. Heuristics are more harmful than useful.
3. Understanding heuristics helps improve decision systems.
4. Human decisions cannot be improved.

Hint:

For main-idea questions, avoid extreme or one-sided statements. Look for the option that captures the author's overall purpose, not just an example or detail.

Answer 1

Step 1: Identify the central theme of the passage. The passage explains what heuristics are, how they help, how they cause errors, and why understanding them is valuable.

Step 2: Choose the option that captures the overall message. Option (C) summarizes the passage: understanding heuristics helps improve decision-making systems.